Web Maintenance Simplified: What It Is and Why Your Business Needs It

Your website is your most valuable asset in the digital space for your business, acting as the virtual face of it. Web maintenance is the consistent care and attention required for your website from time to time, just like how a physical, brick-and-mortar shop would need some upkeep periodically. 

In this article, we will explore broadly what web maintenance is, why it is important and how you can ensure your website’s safety and functionality. Hopefully, by the end of this read, you will have a better understanding of how and why web maintenance is a key part of website development. 

What Is Web Maintenance?

Web maintenance is basically doing everything to ensure that your website remains optimised and performs its best. This includes things such as updating softwares, monitoring and optimising the back and the front end of the website. Security updates, fixing broken links, improving page load speeds, ensuring device responsiveness, etc.- all come under this umbrella. 

Web maintenance isn’t a one-time activity; it’s an ongoing commitment to keep your site running smoothly. Neglecting this crucial task can lead to security vulnerabilities, poor user experience, and ultimately, lost prospects and customers. 

Why Is Web Maintenance Important?

Let’s delve into the reasons why web maintenance should be a priority for every business:

1. Security Comes First

The internet is filled with cyber threats with hackers constantly lurking and looking for a way to take advantage of vulnerabilities in websites. Regular maintenance makes sure that the software, plugins and security certifications of your website are all up-to-date; considerably reducing the threat of cyberattacks.

For example, if your website is built on a platform like WordPress, outdated plugins can become easy targets for hackers. Web maintenance keeps such risks at bay, safeguarding sensitive customer data and maintaining your business’ credibility.

The OWASP Top 10 is a widely recognized awareness guide for developers and web application security. It reflects a consensus on the most significant security risks affecting web applications. Regularly maintaining the OWASP Top 10 is crucial to ensuring robust cybersecurity.

2. Boosts Website Performance

A fast loading website is a must now else it will actually cost you. Research shows that if your website takes more than 3 seconds to load, visitors will abandon it. Web maintenance ensures tasks like clearing cache, optimising images, periodic deep cleans of the backend and checking the server performance so that your website remains as efficient as possible. 

A well-maintained website not only improves user experience but also contributes to better search engine rankings, making it easier for potential customers to find you.

3. Improves User Experience (UX)

One of the last things you would want for your business is having a potential customer turn away before even giving you a chance. This can happen if your website does not provide a smooth and pleasant user experience to them. Issues like unresponsive links or pages, unoptimised images or broken links will definitely harm the image of your business in the eyes of the customers. 

Web maintenance focuses on preventing and resolving such issues, making sure that your website remains efficient and engaging. And, when customers find your site easy to navigate and reliable, they’re more likely to stay longer, engage with your content, and complete purchases.

4. Ensures Compatibility with New Technology

With each passing day, there is a new update in the tech world- and it is important to keep up! Regular web maintenance improves functionality as well as keeps your website ahead in the competitive race. This includes adapting to changes in web browsers, mobile devices and operating systems. 

5. Supports SEO Efforts

Websites that are fast and secure are favoured by search engines as well. For example, Google has its rating in the form of Core Web Vitals on the basis of which your website ranks on it. Since web maintenance also includes tasks that are useful for SEO like fixing broken links, updating meta tags and content, etc; it helps in increasing your website’s visibility on search engines as well, driving more organic traffic.

6. Saves Time and Money in the Long Run

Regular web maintenance prevents big problems for you like website crashes or security breaches that can prove to be quite time and money consuming. Such website issues also eventually would lead to a loss of credibility over time, thus driving away potential customers. 

Key Tasks Involved in Web Maintenance

If you’re wondering what web maintenance actually entails, here’s a breakdown of some common tasks:

1. Software Updates

Updating your website’s content management system (CMS), plugins, and themes is crucial for maintaining functionality and security.

2. Security Checks

Running regular scans to identify vulnerabilities and updating firewalls or security patches to protect against potential threats.

3. Content Updates

Adding fresh content, such as blog posts, news updates, or product descriptions, to keep your site relevant and engaging for visitors.

4. Fixing Errors

Identifying and resolving issues like broken links, missing images, or pages returning a “404 Not Found” error.

5. Optimising Performance

Compressing images, caching files, and monitoring server performance to ensure your website loads quickly.

6. Backups

Creating regular backups of your website to ensure you can restore it quickly in case of data loss or a crash.

7. Analytics Monitoring

Tracking website performance using tools like Google Analytics to identify areas for improvement.

How Web Maintenance Benefits Your Business

Web maintenance isn’t just about keeping your site functional; it directly impacts your business’s bottom line. Here’s how:

• Increased Traffic: A well-maintained site with fresh content and SEO optimisation attracts more visitors.
• Higher Conversions: A secure, fast, and user-friendly website increases the likelihood of visitors taking desired actions, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter.
• Enhanced Reputation: A reliable website reflects positively on your brand, building trust with customers.
• Competitive Edge: Staying on top of trends and technology keeps you ahead of competitors who may neglect web maintenance.

Can You Handle Web Maintenance Yourself?

Yes and no. Some parts of it, like updating content and running an overall security scan, can be done in-house. However, the overall web maintenance does require a team with technical expertise to tackle other issues like troubleshooting server errors or optimising databases. Tasks like these would not be suitable for business owners to deal with themselves

If you lack the time or knowledge to manage web maintenance effectively, outsourcing this responsibility would be a smart choice. And here at Tekhné, we have your back! With over 10 years of international experience, we can assure you of results. Our clients like Artipoppe, Penguin Books, Bodycraft Salon, Healthnet TPO, etc. feel the same as well! 

Get in touch for services tailored for your needs, ensuring your website remains in top-notch condition without you having to lift a finger. 

How to Choose the Right Web Maintenance Provider

If you decide to outsource, here are some tips to help you choose the right service provider:

• Experience and Expertise: Look for providers with a proven track record and expertise in your website’s platform (e.g., WordPress).
• Customisable Plans: Choose a provider that offers flexible packages based on your specific requirements.
• Responsive Support: Ensure they provide timely support in case of emergencies or technical issues.
• Transparent Pricing: Understand the costs involved and what services are included in the package.
• Positive Reviews: Check testimonials or reviews from other clients to gauge their reliability and quality of service.

How Much Does Web Maintenance Cost?

The cost of web maintenance varies based on factors such as the complexity of your site, the services you require, and whether you choose to handle it in-house or outsource it.

Basic maintenance for a small business website might cost as little as £50-£100 per month, while larger, more complex sites could require £500 or more. While this may seem like an added expense, consider it an investment in the longevity and success of your online presence.

Conclusion: Don’t Neglect Web Maintenance

In a world where your website serves as the cornerstone of your online presence, web maintenance is essential. By keeping your site secure, functional, and user-friendly, you’re ensuring that it remains a powerful tool for driving traffic, generating leads, and building trust with customers.

Whether you choose to manage web maintenance yourself or hire professionals, the key is to stay proactive. A well-maintained website not only protects your investment but also sets you up for long-term success in the digital landscape.

So, don’t wait until something goes wrong. Start taking web maintenance seriously today, and watch your business thrive online!